This is the third of four photos I bought at an antiques store this weekend. Unfortunately, it has been trimmed along the top for some reason, but it was only a dollar, so I couldn’t resist. By the way, I should probably clarify something. When I say I know nothing about a photo, it means that there is no specific date or name or anything written on it. But there might still be plenty of clues that can help narrow things down, such as using the overall format to tighten the time frame down to a decade or so. (Other clues, like the style of clothing, can be helpful.) As Mrs. Marvel pointed out, for instance, in my post two days ago, the overall format would indicate it was from the 1860s, and that same information would seem to apply here. I’m always grateful for the extra corroboration.

This is another nice 1860s image. The dress is typical of the mid century but her hair isn’t. Generally the hair was parted in the middle and smoothed down. I suspect this lady was expressing herself in one of the limited ways available to her. Nice photo!

I know nothing about the period, but from her hair and her expression, I inferred a power and resistance to something. Something in that face says “fierce advocate” and it’s not just that I see Mary Stuart Masterson in that gaze…
I would love to have lunch with her.